KEDE Annual Congress concludes amid voting disputes and allegations

The Annual Regular Congress of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE) concluded in Kalamata, held from November 5 to 7, 2026. The assembly focused on demands for increased state funding through the Municipal Cohesion Fund (KAP) to cover rising operational costs and prevent the potential collapse of local municipalities.

The congress was marked by significant tension during the voting process for the various motions. Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens and leader of the “Autodikeisi Tora” faction, challenged the validity of the results, alleging irregularities and demanding a roll-call vote. The leadership of KEDE, led by President Lazaros Kyrizoglou, rejected this request, opting for a show of hands. This led to heated verbal confrontations between Doukas and KEDE General Secretary Dimitris Kafantaris.

Final voting results showed Kyrizoglou’s “Syntherochnoi Ischyroi Dimoi” faction winning with 213 votes (63%), while Doukas’s faction received 111 votes (32.8%). A motion by the “Laiki Sypeirisi” faction regarding school buildings was passed unanimously.

Separate allegations of misconduct were raised during the event. Roxani Beis, a municipal councilor from Athens, submitted a formal complaint alleging she was pushed and subjected to sexism by an elected official belonging to the president’s faction. Additionally, political groups including PASOK and ELAS criticized the KEDE presidency for failing to ensure a transparent voting process.